It has been a day of challenges, Father, from beginning to end. And though it has been trying, You have never left my side. I have held my tongue when need be, but I have also spoken the truth when I needed to. Thank You for Your guiding hand of love upon my heart.
John 4:19-26 (<<click here to read the passage)
It’s interesting how our minds work. In my part of the world, established believers, who have grown up in the church, may find it hard to think of worshiping God outside the four walls of a church building. But believers in other parts of the world may think nothing of worshipping God under a tree, in an apartment, or an open field.
During the pandemic, many churches have had to learn how to conduct “virtual” worship. Honestly, it’s been a struggle. Many pastors had to learn how to do it on the fly! Some people had jumped right in and got on board with it all. I rejoice in the fact that I have several new attendees, who to my knowledge have never stepped through the doors of either church! But some people couldn’t get past the idea that they had to sit in front of a computer or watch the small display on their phone. So instead, they chose to sit out on everything.
But here’s the thing, it makes no difference if you worship in a cathedral or the recliner in your own home. The important thing is that you worship.
When Jesus pointed out the Samaritan women’s marital status, she quickly changed the subject. And as is quite often the fact, when she brought up the oft disputed topic of where worship should take place, Jesus gave her a lot more than she had bargained for.
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” v23-24
It is not important where we worship, but it is important that we worship the Father in spirit and truth as true worshipers.
It requires a solid how response, not a where response.
Lord Jesus, help us to understand the importance of worshipping You in spirit and truth. It is a sad reality that often, even when we are in places that we feel are conducive to worship…we don’t. There is neither spirit nor truth. We may sing. We may bow our heads in prayer…but worship is the farthest thing from our hearts and minds. May that understanding of the reality of our lives awaken us to the reality of our need. Amen!
May 2nd, 2021, Sun, 7:21 pm
